Authority
ἐξουσία (exousia)
Delegated power and rightful authority — the right to act with divine backing.
Exousia is the Greek word for authority, meaning delegated power, permission, and the right to act. Jesus exercised divine authority and delegated it to His followers for ministry and spiritual warfare.
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." — Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
Key Verses
Matthew 28:18
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”Read in context
Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.”Read in context
John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1849 — Authority (ἐξουσία (exousia))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐξουσία (exousia) appears.
Open Strong's G1849Etymology and Original Meaning
Exousia comes from exesti, meaning 'it is permitted' or 'it is lawful.' Unlike dunamis (raw power), exousia is authorized power — the right to exercise strength. A police officer has exousia: their authority comes not from physical superiority but from the government backing them. Jesus' authority amazed crowds because He taught 'as one having authority' (Matthew 7:29).
Jesus' Authority
Jesus claimed and demonstrated comprehensive authority: over disease (Matthew 8:3), over nature (Mark 4:39), over demons (Mark 1:27), over sin (Mark 2:10), and over death (John 11:43). After His resurrection, He declared, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' (Matthew 28:18). His authority is universal and absolute.
Delegated Authority
Jesus delegated exousia to His disciples: authority over unclean spirits (Matthew 10:1), to tread on serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19), and to become children of God (John 1:12). This delegated authority operates within Christ's commission — believers do not act independently but as ambassadors backed by the King's authority.
Submitting to Authority
Romans 13:1 teaches that governing authorities are ordained by God. Believers are called to submit to legitimate authority while recognizing that all human authority is derivative — it comes from God and is accountable to Him. When human authority contradicts God's, believers must 'obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does authority mean in the Bible?
Authority (exousia) is delegated power and the rightful permission to act. Jesus holds all authority in heaven and earth and delegates it to believers for ministry, spiritual warfare, and service.
What is the difference between power and authority?
Dunamis is raw power or ability; exousia is the right or authorization to use that power. A person may have strength (dunamis) but no right to use it. Jesus gives believers both power and authority.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Authority"?
Matthew 28:18 — "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (KJV). It also appears in Luke 10:19, John 1:12.
Why does the Greek word behind "Authority" matter?
Exousia comes from exesti, meaning 'it is permitted' or 'it is lawful.' Unlike dunamis (raw power), exousia is authorized power — the right to exercise strength. English uses one word, "Authority", where the Greek ἐξουσία (exousia) carries the fuller sense: delegated power and rightful authority — the right to act with divine backing.
Related Words
Related Reading
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Authority (ἐξουσία (exousia))
Delegated power and rightful authority — the right to act with divine backing.
Strong's G1849 — Authority
ἐξουσία (exousia) • Delegated power and rightful authority — the right to act with divine backing.
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Binding and loosing is Jesus' grant of kingdom authority to His church — to decl
Biblical Meaning of Falling in a Dream (KJV)
Loss of footing, a warning against pride, and God's ability to hold.
Biblical Meaning of Demons in a Dream (KJV)
Spiritual attack; call to prayer, repentance, and the armour of God.
Lucifer's Fall (Isaiah 14)
Isaiah 14 records the proud 'I will' statements that toppled Lucifer from heaven
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